Nasal cannula comfort tip

Abstract

According to one embodiment, a device is disclosed. The device includes a nasal cannula having prongs to supply air and covers inserted over the prongs to prevent discomfort during use of the nasal cannula.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A device comprising:
 a nasal cannula having prongs to supply air; and 
 foam covers inserted over the prongs to diffuse air exiting from the prongs in order to prevent discomfort during use of the nasal cannula, wherein the foam covers are impregnated with lubricating gel to humidify the diffused air. 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1  wherein foam on the foam covers provides tension to hold the foam covers on to the prongs. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1  wherein the foam covers are shaped to fit and open nasal passages. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 1  wherein the lubricating gel is a saline gel. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 1  wherein the covers comprise a hole to fit over the prongs. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 5  wherein the hole has a diameter smaller than a tip of a prong to enable compression of the foam to hold a cover on to a prong. 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 5  wherein the foam covers each comprise inserts within the hole to hold the foam covers on to the prongs. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 7  wherein the inserts snap to the prongs. 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 7  wherein the inserts are screwed on to the prongs. 
     
     
       10. A device comprising foam covers inserted over nasal cannula prongs to diffuse air exiting from the prongs in order to prevent discomfort during use of the nasal cannula, wherein the foam covers are impregnated with lubricating gel to humidify the diffused air. 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 10  wherein the lubricating gel is a saline gel. 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 10  wherein the foam covers comprise a hole to fit over the prongs. 
     
     
       13. The device of  claim 12  wherein a hole has a diameter smaller than a tip of a prong to enable compression of the foam to hold a cover on to a prong. 
     
     
       14. The device of  claim 12  wherein the foam covers each comprise inserts attached within the hole to hold the foam covers on to the prongs. 
     
     
       15. The device of  claim 14  wherein the inserts snap to the prongs.